Volleyball Inks Three to NLI

Dec 06, 2012

Head coach Linda Sagnelli has announced the addition of three student-athletes to the Central Connecticut volleyball program for the Fall of 2013. Nicole Dean, Brooke Schwab and Cassidy Stankowski have committed to the Blue Devils and will join the CCSU Class of 2017.

"I am pleased to have these three outstanding student-athletes join our program," Sagnelli said following the return of the student-athletes' national letters of intent. "Their abilities and competitiveness will help us continue to challenge for the NEC Championship on the court and their academic prowess will help us maintain our proud tradition of academic excellence in the classroom."

The Blue Devils finished the 2012 season as the runner-up at the Northeast Conference Championship. CCSU finished the season with an 18-13 record. The squad's 12-4 mark in NEC action earned the team a third place finish in the regular season and a 10th consecutive NEC Tournament berth.

Sagnelli added, "We are thrilled to have these three quality student-athletes become part of our Blue Devil family."

Dean is a 5-11 outside hitter from Almont, Michigan. In addition to playing for Almont High School she also played for the Michigan Elite Volleyball Academy. Dean earned MIVCA Class B Third Team All-State honors, First Team All-Region honors, and Academic All-State honors. She earned Blue Water Area Conference First Team All-Conference honors and was the conference's MVP in 2012. She also earned four straight Academic First Team selections from the BWAC. The Tri-City Times named Dean First Team All-Area and honored her as Athlete of the Week during the season.

Coach Sagnelli on Dean: "A physical outside hitter with a great jump. As she develops she could establish herself as one of the top outside hitters in the conference. An All-State player in Michigan whose impact will be felt right away."

Dean on CCSU: "I love CCSU's coaching staff, players, and campus. Everything about CCSU is a perfect fit, and I am so excited to continue my volleyball and academic career as a Blue Devil!"

Schwab is a 6-1 middle blocker from Beaverton, Oregon. She played high school volleyball for Beaverton and played on the club team T.E.A.M. Hiki No. Schwab earned four varsity letters in volleyball and earned three All-Metro honors. As a senior, Schwab was named to the First Team All-Metro and helped her team to a CEVA Regional Championship. During her career she also earned her team's MVP honor as a junior and the Coach's Award as a senior.

Coach Sagnelli on Schwab: "A talented middle with a long reach and good jump. Travels the net well defensively and will help to strengthen our team blocking. She will be able to put pressure on our opponents because of her ability to hit multiple sets."

Schwab on CCSU: "I chose CCSU because I felt that the volleyball program, led by phenomenal coaches, was a great fit for me; as well as Central Connecticut's outstanding academic offerings. I am eagerly looking forward to my future as a Blue Devil."

Stankowski is a 5-8 outside hitter from Deerfield, Massachusetts. She played her high school volleyball at Frontier Regional and played for the club team Pioneer Valley Juniors. Stankowski helped her team to three Massachusetts State Championships and in the process earned herself four All-State selections and was selected as the Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year for volleyball. She also earned an Under Armour All-America Honorable Mention. Stankowski earned player of the year honors from three different newspapers and was named athlete of the week by 22 News and ABC 40. She also earned five All-Western Massachusetts selections and helped her team to six Western Massachusetts Championships.

Coach Sagnelli on Stankowski: "A player who comes in with three state championships under her belt. A very talented, all-around player who will be relied on to contribute to our ball control. One of the top players in New England and our first Under Armor High School All-America Honorable Mention recruit. Very versatile on offense and an exceptional athlete."

Stankowski on CCSU: "Close enough to home, with friendly, caring people and it's right where I belong."